The important talent of the Canadian VFX industry was spotlighted by the recent announcement of Technicolor’s plans for a new visual effects studio in the Montreal area. Technicolor also reports that it will relocate all of its postproduction installations to a single site equipped with the very latest technology. These announcements were made at a press conference with Quebec Premier Pauline Marois, and the plans enable Technicolor to consolidate its presence in Quebec while reasserting its commitment to the environment with the support and investment of the local government.

According to a statement issued by the company, Technicolor is pursuing its strategy aimed at extending both its range of products and services and its geographical presence while developing new solutions designed to support its customers in the digital transition. By enhancing its activity in Montreal, the company will further increase its proximity to its customers, in particular those based in North America, including eastern Canada and the northeastern part of the U.S.

The Technicolor postproduction services previously housed at four sites (involving front end, image, sound, restoration, dubbing and distribution) will relocate to a single site at 2101 Ste. Catherine in Montreal. Technical equipment will be renewed to offer state-of-the-art service in a new visual effects studio branded MPC, which is scheduled to open on October 28. Located in the Old Montreal area, the nearly 25,000-square-foot facility will employ more than 200 creative artists who will serve the rapidly expanding Montreal film market while complementing an existing network of studios in London, Vancouver, New York, Santa Monica, Bangalore and Amsterdam. The Montreal team is already hard at work on major feature film projects, such as Into the Woods and Cinderella (for Walt Disney Pictures) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (for Twentieth Century Fox).

“By choosing Montreal, Technicolor can count on a pool of specialized, highly qualified, highly educated, experienced, creative, talented people who are ready to commit themselves in a favorable economic environment,” said Premier Marois. “Investing in Quebec’s metropolis enables the company to benefit from very competitive tax treatment, along with low business startup and operating costs.” Technicolor CEO Frederic Rose is equally as pleased with how the company’s Montreal plans are developing. “I am particularly happy that this new development will strengthen our network in North America with equipment and the very highest-quality talent,” he said. “I thank the government of Quebec for its continued involvement alongside our industry. Through its investment, Quebec has created a favorable environment and particularly well-adapted training programs within the Montreal region.”